River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1887-06-30

mettle was up and he had gone too far
to retreat igu ominiously.
Hastily ms ructing his comrade to
keep out Of sight behind the hedge and
to act quickly when spoken to Jack,
revolver in hand. burst from his conceal
ment and with leveled revolvers brought
the team 10 halt The unexpected APP
pearanco of the blue and gold uniform
threw the entire party off their guard,
evidently causing them Ia lose their
heads for the time being. Two soldiers
were riding on the mail bags, behind
which they vainly strove To find shell
ter from he threatening muzzles of the
rcyolvers. On the seat with the driv-
er was AN officer. who at the summons
to surrender reached behind him,
evidently for the purpose of Selling a
weapon. when the deep bass voice of
the freshman. in sharp. quick tones, fell
upon their ears.
..Ready -aim!"
Recover arms cried Jack. Gen
tlemen, resi- lance is useless and If blood
is she'd it will be your own fault |
have company of sailors and marines
behind the hedge whose rifles cover YOU
all The fin st sign of resistance will be
the signal for Your death.
You have the advantages. sir. and |
surrender replied the officer as he de-
seconded from his seat
The soldiers. driver and officer were
secured. and then Jack ordered his SER
geant to detail man as driver. while
the balance of the force marched abreast
of the wagon under cover of the hedge.
Yes. lifteuant; | understand. sir
Private O'Roke. step to the front; take
charge Of the basteS and drive Ike the div
81 fertile river" Out bounced the irish
man his ewes and face aglow with eN-
citemeut aud eNultation. Selling the
rrins he urged the horses forward,
while he ilourishcd and cracked the
whip with the air of profe Sioual.
Down the road Numbered the team
at break-neck pace. and, turning
sharply the corner leading into the
private way, the mail wagon with its
precious contents were soon nearing the
river bank. where the boats crew would
be ready to receive them The distance
was comparatively short. but it APP
pcared to Jack rs if the landing would
never heave i'm sight. Every moment
he expected 10 he confronted by squad
of graycoats. and with victory al but
within his grasp Jack endured a
thousand tormeutS. until refining up in
the midst of the faithful blue jackets.
success was assured. The trees and
,hrubbery bordering either side OF the
carriageway had eflecually prevented
the picket guard from interfering with
jacks plans. Not soldier was in
sight and the transfer of mails and
prisoners was made with the utmost
dispatch.
Where j. your marine guard.
inquired the Confederate officer rs the
boat showed of from the landing. Are
You in the habit Of leaving your men
ON shore
oh, no. was the response. I'VE
are all present and accounted for.
The marines was simply a myth"
What roared the official. growing
red ia the face, ..do you mean to say
Two of us captured the whole
business and am glad | ann out Of it
with whole skin.
The prisoners and mail bags were
conveyed 10 the flagship. mere Jack
was summoned before the Admiral
While he was praised for the zeal and
patriotism DISPLAYED Farragut >terls
him for his recklessne~s
al "a time when he could IN afford To-
lose any of his force 10y capture. Jack
expected promotion and in point of fact
he deserved il. but it failed to come.
He is still in the service and his head
Is becoming Silv,ry.
ITNIpN lack